10 Car features you don't want to be without

Must-have faves for your luxury car

As with everything, it’s all a matter of perspective: For a family of five that commutes regularly and takes family trips, a must-have car feature may be the back seat television and DVD player while, for a salesman who lives in his car, it could be the hands-free Bluetooth technology. Whatever your perspective may be, luxury cars can often meet your requirements with their high end standard features.

Here are a few luxury car features that you may want to consider when you put together your list. The good news is that many of them are already considered standard features in the luxury car loop.

Bluetooth® Connectivity

We all use our phones, even when we're driving. So, whether you're a soccer mom or the VP of sales (or both), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is not only a convenience, but a safety feature as well.

Navigation systems

Along the same lines as talking on our phones is trying to find where we're going using the maps' feature on our phones. We're driving and that should mean all eyes on the road, but that's hard to do when you're trying to decide which exit to take off of the freeway. The navigation systems considered standard in many luxury (and even nonluxury) vehicles brings a certain kind of peace of mind.

Rearview camera

Another safety issue—backing up safely—is addressed with the rearview cameras available as standard in many luxury vehicles.

iPod connectivity

Okay, this has nothing to do with safety, but sometimes the radio just doesn't cut it. Even satellite radio can't play your favorite song or playlist on demand.

Remote/Keyless start

This would be another one of those convenience things. Take advantage of it, that's part of what buying a luxury vehicle is all about. (Just don't forget your keys, you still need them!)

Heated/Cooled seats

Depending on where you live in the U.S., this could be a safety feature. Those leather seats can cause serious burns in places like Arizona when the inside temperature of a car can rise well into the three digits, even on a moderately hot day. The same consideration goes for colder areas like Minnesota. You'll be grateful you included this feature when you can warm up (or cool down) fast.

Power everything

With a luxury car, there is no reason you can't have power everything: power locks, power doors, power seats, power steering, power mirrors, and the list continues.

Airbags everywhere

Those airbags work, as anyone who has ever been in an accident can attest. In today's luxury cars, there are airbags in the front, sides, and even for your knees. Even with the airbags, an accident can be a harrowing experience; having those "cushier" bags between you and all that glass and metal is another bit of peace of mind.

Safety first

You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to driving you and your loved ones around. Today's luxury cars are designed to help you be a better driver. Take advantage of this opportunity and be sure to get the most safety for your dollar. For some of the newest features in today's luxury cars, read, "What you need to know about luxury cars and safety."

Theft deterrent

You're about to spend thousands of dollars on a luxury car—protect your purchase with a theft deterrent system.